Twist Party!!!

Los Straitjackets

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 3, 2006)
• Original Release Date: October 3, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Yep Roc Records
• ASIN: B000HKDEGK
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #135,347 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
If it's tempting to characterize this delightfully dizzy collaboration between Nashville's masked surf-rock acolytes Los Straightjackets and hip-swiveling Brooklyn burlesque revivalists The World Famous Pontani Sisters as postmodern, perhaps one should lie down until the feeling passes. As ambitious fusion of vintage instrumental rock, video dance lessons, lucha libre couture, Chubby Checker, Merseybeat, and rhinestone-chic this CD/DVD set can't be denied--or rivaled, for that matter. With Scottish choreographer/Freddie Garrity lookalike Kaiser George handling vocal chores and occasional channeling of Fred Schneider, the Straitjackets rip through a tightly executed set of twist 'n' groove originals and covers of Fats Domino's "Domino Twist," Robert Parker's "Twistin' in Space," and Joey Dee's "Peppermint Twist." The band takes a faithful left-turn into Liverpool '63, with KG paying affectionate homage to Gerry Marsden and Wayne Fontana on "Isn't Love Grand" before serving up a couple of Halloween-ready slices of loop-rock via "All Back to Drac's" and the infectious "Mad Scientwist." The equally kitsch-cool DVD contains lovingly cheeseball videos for the latter and "Twistin' Gorilla," as well as the Pontanis teaching the steps for the "Kitty Cat" and "Daddy-O" dances. It's a party package that's as musically accomplished as it is culturally ditzy, one that may leave listeners wondering just what decade--or century--they're in. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Time Warp, October 6, 2006

By	Chester Perry (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews

The first thing I noticed about this release is that the drummer is gone. Jimmy Lester was a fabulous percussionist. He is now the second band member to depart (Pete Curry was not the original bassist).

The artwork is great, right down to the packaging. A DVD comes with the CD so there are two discs. What is different, also, is that the singer/sax player, George "Kaiser" Miller and the Pontani Sisters are playing a more prominent role in the act. If you have never seen LS live, they are entertainers first and musicians second. The Sisters are not musicians; they dance at the live shows.

The music on this CD is much simpler than the arrangements on previous releases. I like it because it uses shtick from the sixties and some of it just cracks me up. The offkey organ on track 15 is really funny.

There are 16 tracks and they are very short; averaging about two minutes. There are some instrumentals but nothing like their earlier material in length or complexity. If you have never heard Los Straitjackets you might want to listen to the first two or three releases to get their history.

I'm always amazed that some people dislike this band. They have such a great sense of humor. But I will caution that this latest effort is for fun and does not display the guitar heroics of the earlier recordings.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you can't see them live, here's the soundtrack!, October 30, 2006

By	Mark F. Braun (Norridge, IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Nicely collected tracks from the 2006 Los Straitjackets/Pontani Sisters and Kaiser George travelling show will rock you! One of the coolest shows on the road this year combines three acts into one great experience. I'm sure that this was created for sale at the shows: that's where I grabbed my copy. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is what rock and roll looks like: showy, loud and memorable.

Accompanying DVD of the Pontanis at play is cute stuff; would've enjoyed seeing them live, as at the Abbey in Chicago where they melted the room with the best a-go-go moves since Joey Heatherton and the Ikettes, except the Pontanis really do it all better... honest.

Let's face it, radio right now sucks; there's nothing that you can dance to or want to play for another few decades. But for the cats with hi-fi goggles on, rev this CD up and have a blast. Add another CD to it if you can: Kaiser George and the Hi-Risers put this Scottish mod at the top of my Mersey Beat playlist. Whatever they're doin, please keep it playin'!

Viva Los Straitjackets!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you want to have some fun, this album is definitely for you, January 16, 2007

By	WarriorPrncess - See all my reviews

2006 meets the 60's. This album is beyond fun - it's catchy, sly, and chock-full of tongue-in-cheek kitsch. Strap on your dancing shoes and prepare to start twisting!